Why SA stars are urged to consider Zimbabwe’s PSL

Thabo Senong has urged South African footballers to consider opportunities in Zimbabwe’s Premier Soccer League, arguing that the competition is rapidly becoming an attractive destination for players in the region.

The FC Platinum head coach made the comments while speaking to FARPost, as he discussed the changing perception of Zimbabwean football and the growing number of foreign players entering the league.

Senong, who recently returned to Zimbabwe to take charge of FC Platinum, believes South African players should be more open to pursuing opportunities outside their home country.

Senong backs Zimbabwe’s PSL as an emerging football destination

According to Senong, Zimbabwe’s top-flight league is developing into a “very good and interesting product”, with clubs increasingly placing greater emphasis on player welfare.

He pointed to the treatment of players as one of the factors that could make Zimbabwe more attractive to footballers from neighbouring countries.

“If we, as the leadership, as football administrators and the technical teams, take care of players, then it will attract players from everywhere,” Senong told FARPost.

The coach said the changing landscape was already evident through the growing number of foreign players joining Zimbabwean clubs.

West African players, as well as footballers from neighbouring countries such as Malawi and Eswatini, have increasingly featured in the Zimbabwean PSL.

Senong believes South Africans could soon follow the same route.

Why South African players could look to Zimbabwe

Senong has also challenged the perception that players are poorly treated in Zimbabwe.

He told FARPost that the narrative was changing, with clubs increasingly looking after their players properly.

“I would urge players to open themselves up to opportunities outside the borders. If you get a chance to come to Zimbabwe, take it,” he said.

The comments come as Zimbabwe’s PSL continues to attract players with experience in other Southern African leagues.

Several players from Eswatini and Malawi have joined Zimbabwean clubs, while Botswana international goalkeeper Victor James has also made the move to CAPS United.

Zimbabwe has also become a destination for established players with links to South African football.

Former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana midfielder Reneilwe ‘Yeye’ Letsholonyane is now working alongside Senong at FC Platinum, having joined the club as an assistant coach.

Zimbabwe’s PSL attracting regional talent

The influx of foreign players could signal a broader change in the regional football market.

South Africa has traditionally been one of the biggest destinations for footballers in Southern Africa, but Zimbabwe’s PSL is increasingly attracting talent from neighbouring countries.

For Senong, that trend is evidence that Zimbabwean football is becoming more competitive and appealing.

He believes that if clubs continue improving player welfare and the overall professionalism of the competition, more South African players could eventually view Zimbabwe as a viable career option.

Senong’s FC Platinum side has also made a strong start under the new coaching partnership, winning both of their opening matches since he and Letsholonyane took charge.

The club defeated Agama FC 1-0 in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League before beating Blackrock FC 2-0 in the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup.